Actress Nanako Matsushima and actor Takashi Sorimachi announced Tuesday they are the proud parents of a baby girl.

Matsushima gave birth to a daughter Monday, earlier than anticipated, but both are in good health, the couple said in a faxed message.

“The new environment may be challenging ,” the message said. “But the joy of having a new family member is much bigger and we are looking forward to the life ahead of us.”

Matsushima and Sorimachi, both 30, married in 2001.